[Good medical care at the borderline of mental incompetence]

Abstract

A 73-year-old woman with minor intellectual skills had complaints which suggested a vulvar carcinoma. Despite her refusal she was examined and admitted to hospital, on the basis of good professional care. The psychiatrist examined her and judged her incompetent. For the operation of the diagnosed vulvar carcinoma a court ordered representative was obtained. Two months later she underwent radiotherapy to prevent local complications and pain and a few weeks thereafter she died. Because medical decision-making in a doctor-patient relationship is not always possible decision-making power should be assigned to a third party. That forms the basis of proper medical care.